Model Aeroplane Notes

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 179, 30 July 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

Model Aeroplane Notes

%&+±~Mr~

THE AUCKLAND WINTER SHOW.

Looking back over the programme of events which were carried out by the Xew Zealand Model Aeroplane Association at the Auckland Winter Show, tiie first thought that comes into my mind is naturally that the exhibition of model workmanship and model flying was excellent, and undoubtedly did a lot to forward the movement generally. As in all cases of this kind, it is very easy to see afterwards how our exhibition could have been improved, and as no doubt exhibitions of a similar nature will certainly be held again in tbe future some comments now while it is still fresh in the mind will" prove very valuable later. First the classes. Not having very much idea of the numbers or types of models that would be exhibited, the association was certainly at somewhat of a loss to know just what classes to specify, and made the conditions rather wide in their scope for the various events. I think it would be better in future, especially in the scale model workmanship event, to clearly specify certain makes of models to be entered in each class, such as an English and an American monoplane which might be, for instance, the "Fairey Long Range Monoplane," and the "Lockheed Vega." Then perhaps the "Hawker Fury," and ' perhaps the "Hell Diver." In this way all types of models would be represented and the judge would have an easier task in apportioning the points won. A class could also be established for other scale models, and a definite prize allotted to the champion model in the show, irrespective of type. Another interesting set of exhibits would bo only record-breaking, models with a signed official statement to that effect on them. This would give beginners some idea of the type of machine to construct in order to be among the winners in forthcoming contests. Flying Tests. The totally inadequate space available at the show was certainly responsible for the fact that the times were comparatively low. Added to this, one must remember that obstructions were everywhere, and it was indeed a pity to see many a fine flight spoilt by a hanging, invisible wire. After these very thin wires were cleared away later contests showed that good times could be put up. Fuselage models proved very interesting, especially as contestants were required to make them rise off the ground under their own power. Here it is well for intending competitors at a later competition to note that rules state that the machine must not be pushed to help it to start, nor must the hand follow the movement of the machine forward, but merely release it. A number of competitors were penalised under this heading, but it ■was quite interesting to note that towards the later stages of the competition there was not the slightest semblance of pushing. The seaplane competition proved very attractive, and though it was reported in various newspapers "that machines were required to take off from a pond," the said pond vae a email iron tray 4ft sin long by 2ft 6in wide. The results showed without any question that a

properly-constructed R.O.W. (rise off water) model does .not i.cctl a large area to take off from. Tie winning ma 'liiae was quite the prettiest Mirht I have seen. It taxied for a couple of feet, making great pace all the time, and took off with ease every time, and lK*w gracefully around the many rafters of the ehed in which the exhibition w.u held. The second machine was different, m that it only taxied about ">in. tnkin;,' oil like a shot from a jrun ami rising .it practically a 45deg| angle on its tirst half-circle of the "flying m>1111■!."' The machine to gain the third pia,-e, wliicli incidentally later in the evening put up a Xo v Zealand rei-ord, wn- of totally different construction to rhe others. It was a spar model, built vary lightly right town to contest duration requireruenre. Very tiny slivers of bamboo, something about l-32in square, supported the floats, which were tiny chips of balsa wood slightly curved up in front lik-3 a sleigh. In other words, this machin was fitted with skis, which answered perfectly. Generally speaking, the arrangements for the flying were all that they could have been under the circumstances, ,md the spectators proved very reasonable when asked not to handle machines. In my opinion, the small number of breakagee of machines in such crowded, awkward circumstances was very remarkable.

LIST OF "WINNERS. Xew Zealand Championship Duration.—R. Watson, lm 40 2-ss, I; N. Taylor, lm 2S 3-ss, 2; E. S. Evereon, lm 24 2-ss, 3.